“Camelot” by Lumina Theatre Company is playing weekends through Sunday, January 19, 2020, at the Howard County Center for the Arts in Ellicott City, Maryland. “Camelot” is written by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Lowe and Meghan Hackett is the Director and Executive Producer.
The newly formed Lumina Theatre Company’s mission is “to affect the culture through the performing arts productions and programs we provide, we seek to present the truth, the good and the beautiful in ways that will impact the thoughts, ideas and views of those we encounter to affect the culture for the good, one person at a time.” They use mostly young artists. In this production, the actors ranged from fifth graders to more mature adults, but the majority of the performers were in their teens and early twenties.
For those who are unaware, “Camelot” is based on the Arthurian Legend from King Arthur’s (Austin Mass) meeting with Guenevere (Emma Hackett) until the end of his reign. It focuses on his love of Guenevere but also her mutual attraction with Lancelot (Matthew Wilson). Arthur loved his wife but also his friend Lancelot. In this version, he is very torn by their relationship. It is also about the use of might to make right rather than just to rule despotically. Into this utopia comes Arthur’s illegitimate son, Mordred (Thomas George), who poisons Camelot with his evil and brings it to an end.
In the reimagined version the actors enter as a troupe, greeting each other and finding their “spots.” Members act as narrators throughout the production. The set is two very large tree stumps, one later becomes the Round Table of King Arthur. All your favorite songs are there, but, of course, the running time has been shortened.
For a most entertaining experience visit “Camelot-Reimagined” at the Howard County Center for the Arts. You may find yourself transported to a world where love, peace and kindness reign supreme.
The young talented actors make this a most entertaining production. Mass is wonderful as Arthur. He has us all humming the title song, “Camelot” after we are on our way home. He brings out Arthur’s idealism, tolerance and wisdom. His “How to Handle a Woman” is a delightful interpretation of the lyrics.
Hackett’s Guenevere sings beautifully. Her standout songs are the haunting, “I Loved You Once in Silence,” and one of my favorites, her duet with Arthur, “What Do the Simple Folks Do?” showcased the talents of both performers.
Wilson also does a notable performance as the handsome and righteous Lancelot. His “C’est Moi” is thoroughly enjoyable and his big number “If Ever I Would Leave You” is well done.
Mordred is cleverly played by George and is sinister and easy to hate. Both of his numbers “The Seven Deadly Virtues” and “Fie on Goodness” (the latter with the Knights) are foreboding.
The rest of the cast includes David Ellrod as Sir Sagramore, Josh Mass as Sir Lionel and Luis Cunningham as Sir Dinadan. They do a number with Guenevere, “Then You May Take Me to the Fair” followed by several well-done dueling matches with Lancelot. All these young men did an excellent job as the other Knights in the Round Table.
The rest of the ensemble includes Bob Cohn as Reveler #5 and Narrator, Christian Kirkland as Squire Dap, Mary Rose Cohn as Lady in Waiting, Marianne Sohn as Lady Ann, and Kathleen Hackett as Lady in Waiting. They all turn in fine performances. Emily Patrick, that fifth grader, plays the young stowaway, Tom. She brings a lot of energy to the role which symbolizes hope for Arthur and Camelot.
Meghan Hackett’s direction is creative and compelling. The May Day dance, for example, is clever and colorful. According to the program, Alan J. Lerner once said this his favorite performance of “Camelot” was a rehearsal with no elaborate sets or costumes. Hackett’s vision keeps this idea in mind. She gets the most out of her mostly very young cast.
The music is prerecorded but is embellished with live musicians on guitar, violin and bass. That is a charming touch as well.
The set by Meghan Hackett and Brenda Patrick is interesting and highly functional. Julia Ellrod’s Costume Design successfully uses a mixture of modern dress and clothing that could be from the time of Arthur (a cross between “Lord of the Rings” and “Robin Hood). Pieces are added, for example, a veil or a crown, to show special events in the story.
For a most entertaining experience visit “Camelot-Reimagined” at the Howard County Center for the Arts. You may find yourself transported to a world where love, peace and kindness reign supreme.
Running Time: Two hours and 5 minutes with an Intermission.
“Camelot” presented by Lumina Theatre runs Saturday and Sunday, January 18 & 19, 2020 at the Howard County Center for the Arts, 8510 High Ridge Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043. For tickets and information about the production or Lumina Theatre go to their website.
